7 defensive tackles the NY Jets could sign after losing Sheldon Rankins

The NY Jets are pretty desperate for defensive tackle help after losing both Sheldon Rankins and Nathan Shepherd in free agency. Shepherd's loss isn't too significant, but the departure of Rankins leaves a pretty sizable hole in the middle of the Jets' defense.

At the moment, the only defensive tackles currently under contract with the team are Quinnen Williams, the newly re-signed Solomon Thomas, Tanzel Smart, and waiver-wire pickup Isaiah Mack.

The Jets are going to make an addition at the defensive tackle position, and that position very well might come in free agency. They need a replacement for Rankins, and there are still a few notable names left on the open market.

Let's take a look at seven veteran defensive tackles the Jets can sign to replace Rankins.

7. The NY Jets could sign Linval Joseph

The Jets showed interest in signing Linval Joseph last season, even bringing him in for a visit before he eventually signed with the Philadelphia Eagles. The 34-year-old is a free agent once again, and the Jets could make him a target.

Joseph isn't the same multi-time Pro Bowler he was during his prime years with the Minnesota Vikings, but he's still a capable contributor who played an important role in Philadelphia's defense last season.

Joseph appeared in eight games for the Eagles after signing in November, tallying 20 tackles and a half-sack. He didn't light up the stat sheet, but given that he joined the team midseason and immediately stepped into a starting role, the Eagles clearly thought highly of him.

Joseph makes sense for the Jets if they're looking to add a stop-gap veteran to pair with a potential Day 2 or 3 draft pick. He's not a long-term solution, but Joseph might still have some good football left in him.